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Viper SmartStart FAQ

Featured Question

Q: What are the benefits of upgrading my current Viper SmartStart module to one of the new VSM350/VSM300 modules?A: The new modules use Verizon CDMA/3G technology, and provide superior nationwide coverage, faster response and less power consumption. Upgrading now ensures future compatibility with new features and eliminates the risk of coverage problems. With these new modules you can expect to use them for many years without needing to upgrade again.

Other FAQs

What is Viper SmartStart?

Viper SmartStart is the only vehicle security and remote start system that works with your smartphone. Viper SmartStart is brought to you by Viper, the leader in vehicle security and remote start systems. With SmartStart, you can use your smartphone to pre-warm your car’s cabin in the winter, pre-cool it in the summer, lock and unlock your doors, arm and disarm your vehicle’s security system, open your trunk, and even find your car in a parking lot, all using your smartphone.

Why do I need Viper SmartStart?

Viper SmartStart is a clever solution that combines the functionality of your vehicle’s key fob with your cell phone. Now you can control your vehicle’s locks, security system, remote start system, and trunk release with your cell phone. Anyone who’s used a remote car starter before knows that range is critically important to maximizing the value of your remote starter – and range doesn’t get any better than with a Viper SmartStart. If your phone has sufficient signal and your vehicle also has sufficient signal……YOU’RE ALL SET!

Why do I need to remote start my car?

Let’s face it; your vehicle can be pretty uncomfortable in extreme weather. In fact, getting into a frozen or overheated car can be downright painful. With remote start, you can start your car from the comfort of your home to make sure it is the right temperature before you get inside. The SmartStart remote start system provides virtually unlimited range so you can rest assured your remote start system is activated no matter how far away you are from your vehicle.

How do I get Viper SmartStart?

If you already have a compatible Viper system in your vehicle, you can add the stand-alone Viper SmartStart module. For compatible models please visit www.viper.com. Compatible systems will say "Viper SmartStart compatible" when selected. For those that may not have an existing remote starter in their vehicle you can purchase a combination package that comes with both Viper SmartStart AND a remote starter.

What do I need to get Viper SmartStart?

A complete Viper SmartStart system, or, if you already have a compatible remote start system, you need the add-on Viper SmartStart module.

A compatible smart phone (not included with the Viper SmartStart system).

Viper SmartStart application for your smartphone

Can I demo the Viper SmartStart smartphone App?

Yes. Download the Viper SmartStart app and give it a try for free. You do not need a SmartStart system to try the app.

What are the benefits of upgrading my current SmartStart module to the new VSM350/VSM300 modules?

The new VSM 300/350 modules use Verizon CDMA/3G technology, and provide superior nationwide coverage, faster response and less power consumption. Upgrading now ensures future compatibility with new features and eliminates the risk of coverage problems. With these new Viper SmartStart systems you can expect to use them for many years without needing to upgrade again.

If I currently have a VSM250/VSM200 module in my car, do I have to upgrade to a new VSM350/VSM300 module?

Not at all. The current 2G Viper SmartStart systems will still operate as always. For customers that demand the latest in connected-car technology, they can upgrade to the new Viper SmartStart 4.0 hardware, with functionality on US networks only. Both system generations will remain fully compatible with current versions of the Viper SmartStart app, as well as the updated Viper SmartStart 4.0 app when available.

Does upgrading my SmartStart hardware require an upgrade of the Viper SmartStart app?

No, because the VSM 300/350 are fully compatible with current versions of the Viper SmartStart app (3.x and up), as well as the updated Viper SmartStart 4.0 app when available.

What will it cost to upgrade to the new VSM350/VSM300 modules?

The VSM300 MSRP is $199.99, and the VSM350 MSRP is $299.99. Check with your dealer regarding the installation cost of new hardware upgrades.

Do I need to switch my cellular carrier to Verizon?

No. You can continue to use your existing cellular service.

My cellular service uses a 4G LTE network. Why are you only on 3G?

We are simply using Verizon’s faster and broader network to connect your Viper SmartStart hardware to the Cloud. Connected-car systems like Viper SmartStart don’t require the high bandwidth and high speed capabilities of 4G LTE. Switching to a 4G LTE network would offer no improvement in performance, but it does cost more. Because we are committed to provide Viper SmartStart consumers with the lowest cost/highest performance solution, Verizon’s CDMA/3G network is the perfect option .

I live in Montreal, Canada. Will the new hardware work in my area?

The new Viper SmartStart 4.0 hardware currently works only on US networks.

What if my current device stops working?

There should be no interruption of existing service with the introduction of this new hardware. If you experience any change in service or functionality, contact our experienced customer service team who will help you resolve any issues with your Viper SmartStart system.

Will Viper Viper SmartStart work if I’m too far away from my vehicle?

With Viper SmartStart, there is no such thing as "too far away." Viper SmartStart works over a cellular network or over Wi-Fi, giving you virtually unlimited range anywhere in the U.S. As long as your vehicle is in range of a cellular signal and your phone has a 3G or Wi-Fi signal, SmartStart will work.

Why do I need to pay for a service plan?

Your Viper SmartStart is an “always-on” connected device that communicates over a cellular network. Just like a cell phone, your SmartStart requires a service plan from a cellular provider to communicate over the network.

Does the service plan give me unlimited use?

Your annual service plan was designed to cover all the activity that a customer would use under any reasonable circumstances. Like all other "unlimited” services such as cell phone data plans, we do have a limit on the number of uses per month that we can enforce on a case by case basis in the event that a device is malfunctioning or a subscriber is clearly abusing the service (e.g. commercial purposes). In the unlikely event that you approach the usage limits of your service plan, you’ll receive a notice with an option to opt up to a higher usage plan for an additional fee.

How do I activate my Viper SmartStart account?

Step 1. Your installer activates the Viper SmartStart product:Immediately after installing the device in the vehicle, your installer will activate the device using a specific device activation website.

Step 2. You set up your account and activate your SmartStart smartphone app:Once your SmartStart module is activated, you will receive an email that contains your SmartStart username and account password. Follow these steps:

From your smartphone, launch the SmartStart App.

Go to the "Settings" tab.

Type in your SmartStart username and password from the activation email and click the "Done" button.

Exit the SmartStart App and relaunch it. Now you should see your vehicle(s) in the "Cars" tab.

Once you've completed the activation steps, your SmartStart system is ready to use.

Can I control my vehicle from more than one phone?

Yes. Users can be added by downloading the app on another smartphone and entering the User Name and Password for the account. Once the app is installed on the new smartphone, you can access all cars already set up on the account.

Can I use Viper SmartStart with more than one vehicle?

Yes. Several vehicles can be linked to a single phone. A separate Viper system will have to be installed in each vehicle, but after that you can control any of your vehicles with any smartphone you’ve authorized.

Is Viper SmartStart available outside the U.S.?

Currently, Viper SmartStart is available in the U.S. and Canada.

Can I install Viper SmartStart myself?

Viper SmartStart is available only through authorized retailers that offer professional installation. Professional installation is required.

What is remote start?

Remote start means being able to start your vehicle from a distance using a remote control, or in the case of Viper SmartStart, your smartphone. This allows you to have the vehicle warmed up in cold weather or cooled down in hot weather, before you get in to drive it. This may seem like a luxury but in extreme climates it is virtually a necessity as well as a safety factor.

Is my car secure after I remote start it?

Yes. Our systems keep the vehicle locked securely while it is remote started, and it still requires a key to actually drive the car. If anyone gets in the car and tries to drive it without the key, the car just shuts off.

What if I don’t have an smartphone?

Directed is continuously improving Viper SmartStart. That means we are already working on compatibility with other smart phones. Please refer to www.viper.com for the current list of compatible smart phones. We also have lots of other products that don’t require an smartphone to start your car. See viper.com for more information about Viper remote start and security systems.

I did not receive an activation email. What happened?

Some internet service providers will mark our email as SPAM or JUNK. Please check these folders if you do not receive your email within a few minutes. If the activation email is not there, it is possible that the installer did not complete the activation process or the wrong email address was entered. Please bring the vehicle back to the original installer to have the process completed or the email address corrected.

Can I just convert my regular SmartStart system to SmartStart GPS?

Yes, but it requires new hardware and a new service plan specifically designed for SmartStart GPS.

Are the BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 smartphones compatible with the SmartStart GPS Module's GPS capabilities?

Not at this time.

I understand the SmartStart GPS Module can be installed as a stand-alone system: how does that work?

Even if the VSM250 is not plugged into a compatible system, it will still provide the above GPS features, but without the current SmartStart features. We recommend however that you integrate it with one of our many compatible systems to enable the complete Viper SmartStart feature set*, allowing you to:

Start your engine to control the cabin temperature

Lock and unlock your doors from anywhere

Pop the trunk

Control the horn or siren as a panic alert or car finder

Receive security alerts pushed to your smartphone

* Based on the features and installation of your compatible security or remote start system.

Users will also be able to take advantage of the useful SmartPark feature, as well as Motor Club roadside assistance – all depending on the features and installation of their compatible security or remote start system.

Can I install a SmartStart GPS Module but initially just use the SmartStart features and service plan, and then activate the GPS features later?

No. The VSM250 only works with a GPS Secure Service Plan or GPS Premium Secure Service Plan.

Other than GPS, what's the difference between the regular SmartStart Module and the SmartStart GPS Module?

The SmartStart GPS Module has all the regular SmartStart features of the regular SmartStart Module, and the GPS capability adds many more, allowing users to enjoy the following location based features on their smartphone using the SmartStart GPS app:

This product does everything you need, the best part is by the LED confirmation, you will know if your car starts. My husband has a remote start the dealership put in, and if you're not close to the vehicle to hear the horn beep, you're out of luck. I got this for my daughter last year and for me, and it works like a charm. You can't go wrong. The distance is great on it!

Best thing I ever put in a car. I live in Wisconsin where winter cold is colder than cold, it is great to walk outside and get into a warm car, windshield is clear of snow and ice, I bought and had it installed by Best Buy, it works great and the installer was very helpful and still is when I call with a quick question.

Jeff - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Viper Value 1-Way Remote Start

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